The lion of Venice

This specific type of lion is known as the lion of Saint Mark and is the symbol of the city of Venice. The lion is also one of the four beasts, along with the eagle, the ox, and the winged man (or angel), that symbolize the four evangelists (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John). According to the Venetian tradition when Saint Mark arrived in Venice an angel appeared to him saying: “Pax tibi Marce, evangelista meus” (May peace be with you, Mark, my evangelist). This phrase is written here on the book pages. The lion expresses the power of the Evangelist’s word and is itself a symbol of power and majesty. Its’ wings are an allegory of spiritual elevation and the book summarizes the concepts of wisdom, peace and the state (or city, in Larnaka’s case) sovereignty.

The monument was offered to Larnaka city by Venice Municipality in memory of the Adriatic twinning of the two cities. The unveiling took place on October 2nd 2011.